2021 Texas A&M football schedule analysis: Do Aggies have path to SEC West crown?

(Craig Bisacre/Texas A&M Athletics)

Here are some thoughts on Texas A&M's football schedule for the 2021 season.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 4 vs. Kent State

Sept. 11 at Colorado (Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, CO)

Sept. 18 vs. New Mexico

Sept. 25 vs. Arkansas (AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX)

Oct. 2 vs. Mississippi State

Oct. 9 vs. Alabama

Oct. 16 at Missouri

Oct. 23 vs. South Carolina

Nov. 6 vs. Auburn

Nov. 13 at Ole Miss

Nov. 20 vs. Prairie View A&M

Nov. 27 at LSU

ANALYSIS

- Kent State is an intriguing opener for the Aggies, if only for the number of points that could be scored. The Golden Flashes posted 50.0 points per game in their four games a season ago. Sure, it was only against MAC competition. But the offense is still efficient and entertaining.

- The trip to Denver to play Colorado could be more challenging than it looks if the Buffs continue to improve in Karl Dorrell's second season. Colorado won its first four in his debut campaign before finishing the season with losses to Utah and Texas.

- Something that does stand out is the fact Texas A&M will only play three true road games this season - at Missouri, at Ole Miss, and at LSU. All three of those teams expect to increase their win totals.

- Of course, the Aggies' biggest opportunity comes on October 9 against Alabama. That elusive SEC West crown goes through the Tide, and playing them in College Station is better than playing them in Tuscaloosa. It's also more convenient to play Alabama a month or so into the season rather than in November.

- Texas A&M draws South Carolina as its second SEC East opponent. That's favorable since the Gamecocks, under new head coach Shane Beamer, are in rebuilding mode.